Friday 1st November 2013

BMW M235i at Thruxton: Time For Coffee?

First vid of the 2 Series in Britain, completing 'the perfect hot lap' no less

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Rather like 'official' spy shots, it's rather difficult to write a conventional story on a manufacturer-sponsored video of a new car. With its factory DTM driver behind the wheel.

So will take Andy Priaulx's enthusiastic views on the great grip, turn-in and powerful brakes of the M235i with a hefty pinch of salt. But what does seeing the car being driven very fast around Thruxton tell us?

Firstly, the M Performance 2 Series arguably doesn't look quite as exciting at a murky, featureless Thruxton as it did in the press shots. Again, we'll reserve proper judgement until seeing the car properly, but there just seems to be a lot of metal around the wheels and boot. Let's see.

Performance certainly isn't in any doubt. With a few extra horsepower and less weight than the 1 Series hatch, the M235i gets through the auto's eight gears very rapidly indeed. It's at 140mph before the chicane too.

Through the corners, the 2 Series looks composed, remaining unflustered through Church for example. Don't forget the LSD on the options list too, for when you don't want to drive in a precise, Priaulx-esque fashion...

Plenty to be encouraged by with the M235i then. When can we have a go BMW?

Take a look!

 

 

[Wills2]

Engine sounds superb! Love the way BMW seem to value induction over exhaust noise.

[Oz83]

Cringeworthy. I'll wait for an unbiased review thanks.

[DISASTRA 5 0]

Yes some independance please!

Is there going to be an M2?

[Sampaio]

You're right, it doesn't look as good in the video as it did in press shots... Anyway, I'm very excited about it!

[lewisf182]

I thought this was a looker, but the main picture makes it look awful! The back looks far too big and wide, reminds me of a lexus(poss infiniti) coupe kinda thing can't remember the name.

Actually prefer the 1 series coupe looks! Never thought I'd say that.

[GroundEffect]

Want. Want. Want.

[clubsportguy]

I will wait for the master who is Mr Chris Harris to have a proper play in it !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mermaid]

clubsportguy said:

I will wait for the master who is Mr Chris Harris to have a proper play in it !!!!!!!!!!!!

AP is a better driver, but does not help to sell the car as Chris can - and he is not on BMW's payroll.

[Twin Turbo]

This thing is looking better and better. Great noise, too

[garypotter]

Mermaid said:

AP is a better driver, but does not help to sell the car as Chris can - and he is not on BMW's payroll.

cough cough!

[daveco]

Twin Turbo said:

This thing is looking better and better. Great noise, too

Funny you should say that-the sound in the cabin when he puts his foot down applies to any 6 cylinder non M BMW motor of any vintage-that sweet spot between 2k and 3k rpm

[Thehandshake]

daveco said:

Funny you should say that-the sound in the cabin when he puts his foot down applies to any 6 cylinder non M BMW motor of any vintage-that sweet spot between 2k and 3k rpm

And... it's synthesised

[Amirhussain]

Liking that, can't wait for more reviews.

[Twin Turbo]

daveco said:

Funny you should say that-the sound in the cabin when he puts his foot down applies to any 6 cylinder non M BMW motor of any vintage-that sweet spot between 2k and 3k rpm

Yeah, I know.........I hear it on my e46 330i

[kambites]

I quite liked the styling of this from previous pictures, but this looks absolutely vile:



I really hope that's a trick of the perspective and it's not really that awkward.

[zeduffman]

kambites said:

I quite liked the styling of this from previous pictures, but this looks absolutely vile:



I really hope that's a trick of the perspective and it's not really that awkward.

Watch the video and decide for yourself...

[kambites]

zeduffman said:

Watch the video and decide for yourself...

Unfortunately the video is so cringe-worthy, I gave up after a few seconds. Maybe I should try again with the sound off.

[Ollieb7]

He makes a small car look really big.

Rear reminds me of a 1990s escort.

Other wise nice but why buy one of these when at the same price you could have a 1M?

[kambites]

Ollieb7 said:

He makes a small car look really big.

It's not a particularly small car; it's bigger than an E46.

[hornetrider]

I like my BMs but that video is awful.